Back to Work: The Beauty Products You Need With You At All Times

Tue, 8 January 2013 4:31PM

Everybody is slowly starting to head to their desks after the summer holidays, which means it’s officially back to work time. It’s especially hard on days like today – we’re experiencing 40 degree temperatures here in Sydney – where I know we’d all rather be at the beach, coconut-scented body lotion in hand.

Alas, we gotta do what we gotta do, which means getting back into work mode lickety-split. And speaking of, isn’t this exactly how you want to turn up to work each day?

Gosh Olivia always gets it right, doesn’t she? There’s just something about her particular brand of understated beauty which is, of course, perfectly polished, but appears to be somewhat effortless. It’s pretty much how I’d like to look everyday, but still look like me. If that makes sense.

There are a few beauty basics that you need to carry in your handbag, or at least stash in your desk drawer for emergency touch-ups. It’s always the day you forget to wear mascara or fill in your brows when champagne is called for after work. Which is why I’ve rounded up the beauty basics that have pride of place in my bag and around my desk. Along with upping my moisturising routine, culling my beauty products down to the necessities was one of my New Year’s resolutions and so far it’s working a treat – I feel a little bit more like Olivia already, albeit a slightly shiny and singlet-wearing version today.

If someone asked me what the one thing I have to do before leaving the house – aside from having a shower, of course – it would be filling in my brows. Along with two shades of powder to suit your brow colour, there are also mini tweezers, two brushes to create the brushed-up finish like Olivia here, which are perfectly shaped and groomed to perfection. Oh, and there’s a tiny mirror so you can tend to them while you’re at work.

Klorane Dry Shampoo, $12.50, Priceline

The name says it all. Dry shampoo is one of my saviours on dirty hair days, and even when it’s clean for added texture and grit. It’s sits right next to my computer for whenever an emergency spray is needed.

Olivia swears by a brown-toned eyeshadow palette by Guerlain, which unfortunately isn’t available in Australia. However, it’s important to have an eyeshadow palette on hand for when a smoky eye, or even a slick of liner calls, which is why I love this shadow quad from Revlon which incorporates varying shades of brown and soft neutrals to create a strong, or subtle smoky eye.

Avène Thermal Spring Water, $9.95, pharmacies

For days like today, or whenever you need a little refresher, a facial mist is ideal to moisturise hot and dehydrated skin. Just spritz a little on before your makeup or during the day for a quick pick-me-up. And better still, it won’t ruin your makeup.

I love the efficiency of a blush and bronzer combo in one that can slip straight into your handbag, especially when it’s some of my all-time favourite shades. In this case, Orgasm and South Beach. Suitable for a beautiful flush of colour on the cheeks like Olivia or a subtle shimmering glow, this duo is one product I’ll continue to buy again and again.

This one is a no brainer, Primpers, due to its multitude of uses and the ability to transform the most cracked of lips into a beautiful pout. Rub it into dry cuticles or on any minor cuts or dry patches to soothe the skin. Slip one into your handbag and your desk drawer so that you’ll never be without it.

Like the aforementioned smoky eye, there’s always an occasion that calls for a slick of bright lipstick and for me, Hara strikes the perfect balance between orange and red. It gives a beautiful matte finish, bright enough to stand out but not so much that you feel like you’re wearing neon.

Benefit They’re Real Mascara, $38, Myer

I recently fell in love all over again with this product due to it’s thick, blacker and than black volumising formula and ability to lengthen even the smallest and finest of lashes. Seeing this picture of Olivia’s fanned out lashes reminded me all over again why I can’t live without it – defined lashes really do polish up your overall beauty look. While you’ll more than likely have to invest in a heavy duty eye makeup remover to wash it off, it’s worth it for the longevity factor. While you probably won’t need it for touch-ups during the day, it’s still an essential product to have on hand.

Tell me, Primpers, what are the beauty products you always carry with you?

Are there any that always stay on your desk or in your bag, no matter what?

In my desk drawer I have a Sukin lip treatment, mango body butter, 2 Crabtree & Evelyn moisturisers and a tube of concealer. I think I also need to include a pressed power of some kind and maybe perfume/deodorant.

I like your list though, Hayley – I have to do my brows too!! And I love the Benefit Mascara for a really dramatic look.

Cannot survive without my Lanolips 101 ointment its such a multi-tasker! Also always shape my brows, it makes such a big difference and frames up my face perfectly. Love the shades in the Nars multiple Duo!

I love Olivia’s look – its effortless and still beautiful. I always have with me at all times, deoderant, perfume, hand cream and lip gloss – love them and love the perfume that is travel size always good to freshen up during the day.

I love the avene thermal water. Its so refreshing and works great as a toner when my skin is irritated.
The benefit mascara sounds so great! Id love to own more benefit products
Lanolips ointment is great too. I use it for everything from dry lips/skin to rubbing into my cuticles. Always have it in my purse
Great list hayley!